Collaborated with clients to design, develop, and implement solutions for organizational development & training, including a leading EV battery manufacturer. Consulted on the startup of assembly and distribution operations for a furniture component manufacturer, including warehouse management system software. Led in-house graphic design and software development team creating eLearning experiences for clients and building content libraries for a new online training venture.

Coaching businesses to expand the effectiveness of processes, implement technology, and establish controls. Enabling operational performance and growth. Developing solutions for change, operations methodology and planning.

Contracted to launch Swedish-made adjustable tables and RFID locking systems into American market. Established the lexicon for product offering and oversaw product certifications. Developed supply partners for complimentary product accessories and materials. Collaborated on marketing materials and pricing strategy. Account management for OEM, while utilizing reps for dealer channel and distribution. Utilized CRM for sales forecast, projects, and funnel tracking.

Strategic business planning for a generational ownership change, launch spin-off business, and growing custom architectural design and woodworking business. Provided new product ideation and an up-market plan for consumer direct sales.

Hired to implement a turnaround plan. P&L ownership and hands-on supervision of daily manufacturing operation and fabrication for automation industry. Established policies, standardized operating procedures, improved productivity, implemented quality system improvements. Owned account management and sales. Revitalized sales with existing and added new customers.

Contracted to introduce Swedish electrically adjustable table manufacturer to North American OEM’s and launch operations. Collaborated with ownership and management team to plan and launch a sales and marketing campaign at key accounts in the American markets. Led launch and operations of US manufacturing startup, from site selection through the initial manufacturing and selecting local suppliers. Grew to 100,000 SF, over 40 people, and $15MM Sales within first year.

Promoted to manage the largest customer and other key OEM accounts for electrical harnesses, power systems, and adjustable tables. Engaged daily with multiple OEM accounts. Grew the company’s largest account sales more than 500% across 4 years, focused on improving business scorecard, reduced lead times via better visibility of demand forecasting, leaner material inventories, and improved margins. Initiated a joint venture with US competitor (later acquired), and explored contract opportunities with Australian and Swedish manufacturers.

Hired to shift business strategies and revitalize the office furniture business segment by targeting complementary opportunities with key OEM accounts. Secured multiple contract manufacturing opportunities for outsourcing product lines and relocating them to plants in USA and Mexico. Reverse engineered and started a chair line in four months.

Hired to enhance sales and marketing of existing chair products and to define new product development plan. Mentored sales team, customer service, and product marketing to revitalize brand identity with customer base. Planned group consolidation of sales teams and territories. Landed two award-winning projects. Grew sales 10% over plan.

Hired to grow OEM business and expand product portfolio. Planned, sold, and implemented marketing of laminated casegoods and work surfaces to major furniture industry leaders while developing new product lines to meet SEFA and ADA requirements. Explored new markets for phenolic surfacing material. Attained over 100% sales growth.

Strategic planning, venture capital prospecting, marketing digital tools and e-business products.

Promoted to develop and implement an E-commerce presence. Launched branded websites, eBay store, digital libraries, electronic catalogs, and integrated order entry and fulfillment via customer extranet portal.

Promoted to identify market gaps for existing hardware products and new market opportunities. Identified major opportunity and fathered a strategic acquisition gaining entry into the ergonomic office products market, and access to the dealer distribution channel, resulting in over 4x payback within a year.

Hired to fix a failed new product launch. Focused on quality and design issues, expanding product offering and new applications. Utilized advertising campaign in three major trade magazines to target market OEM and distribution channels. Managed key account product launches. Quickly became #2 market leader gaining $75MM in market share.

Leader of global product initiative including foreign code compliances for both furniture and electrical products in Europe and Asia including onsite facilitation and technical sales support. Executed technology transfer and licensed manufacturing start-up in Japan.

Product Development Manager1984-1986Spearheaded new products from European and Asian suppliers, for major retailers to market in the U.S. and Canada. Led staff of product liability paralegal, regulatory, marketing collateral and POS materialsInternational Engineer and Operations Manager (UK-based)1981-1984Promoted to manage overseas startup with contract component manufacturing in France, assembly operations in England and distribution from Germany. Achieved all code compliance throughout Europe and Scandinavia. Supervised light assembly and packaging operations.Product Support Engineering Manager1980-1981Led engineering team to support manufacturing operations and resolve product design and compliance issues. Collaborated with other departments, including manufacturing, purchasing, and quality control, as well as suppliers and customers to advance key solutions and mitigate production downtime. Implemented lean events, including design standardization, SKU and supplier component consolidation, and harmonization of electrical product components.Design Engineer1979-1980Collaborated as a member of R&D group to develop vortex burner technology and redesign electrical and safety control systems. Awarded U.S. Patent #4,443,187.Junior Design Engineer1978-1979Paid Internship during senior year of college. Design of experimental combustion equipment.